Questions about fluid trainer

Nicole S said:

I am relatively new to cycling so bear with me...
Last week I bought a Blackburn indoor fluid trainer and I have used it twice...it's fairly quiet, just a "hum" while I am pedaling...
The first time I used it, though, at 30 minutes it started shake/vibrate every minute or so (on and off)...the second time I used it, the shaking/vibrating began at 45 minutes...when this starts I have not increased or decreased my cadence...a steady speed of 16mph
I am using it on the 1st floor, hardwood, but with a sheet underneath it to catch the rubber from my tire...room temperature 62, no fan...tri-bike, 650 tires...
The only information that came in the box was how to set it up, no manual...I have tried to find reviews from other users online but haven't been successful...
Any ideas on what could be causing this to happen, what I should do?

if your tire tread is coming off or melting, I would recommend buying a cheap, but new tire (like a Bontrager wire bead for $19) and tighten the roller tight against your tire to avoid any slippage (which causes heat). My guess is your tires rubber is coming off and balling up on the tires surface causing a vibration till the piece of rubber dislodges. This is just a guess mind you.

For sure the easy test is as soon as you get a vibration, slow down and check the rear tire. if its HOT stsicky and lumpy-thats it!! If its not-you may just have to call Customer Service and request a new trainer or parts.

On my KK Fluid trainer, after 1 hour+, the fluid part is hot, but the roller and tire are barely warm.

Ray

rayhuang said:

if your tire tread is coming off or melting, I would recommend buying a cheap, but new tire (like a Bontrager wire bead for $19) and tighten the roller tight against your tire to avoid any slippage (which causes heat). My guess is your tires rubber is coming off and balling up on the tires surface causing a vibration till the piece of rubber dislodges. This is just a guess mind you.

For sure the easy test is as soon as you get a vibration, slow down and check the rear tire. if its HOT stsicky and lumpy-thats it!! If its not-you may just have to call Customer Service and request a new trainer or parts.

On my KK Fluid trainer, after 1 hour+, the fluid part is hot, but the roller and tire are barely warm.

Ray

If it is the tires that are melting...Continental makes a tire called the Home Trainer (or something like that), that is specially designed for taking the heat of a trainer.

Derek

I have the same trainer, and I have the same problem. The reason why you are getting the vibrations is because your tire is slightly slipping. Thats the problem with Blackburn trainers - the roller loosens after some time.

What I did was put a locking nut on the adjuster so when I ride, the roller doesn't loosen.

For those who have CycleOps trainers, do you have the same problem?

dannyyy said:

I have the same trainer, and I have the same problem. The reason why you are getting the vibrations is because your tire is slightly slipping. Thats the problem with Blackburn trainers - the roller loosens after some time.

What I did was put a locking nut on the adjuster so when I ride, the roller doesn't loosen.

For those who have CycleOps trainers, do you have the same problem?

I have the Blackburn also, but, mine stops vibrating after about 20 minutes. I think after the fluid warms up it stops. If mine behaved like Nicole's you'd likely see it on e-bay.